THE ANALYTICAL STUDY OF BUDDHIST'S BELIEVE IN KUMARNTHONG IN THAI SOCIETY

Abstract

The objectives of this research were as follows: 1) to examine the concept about talismans and sacred objects in Thai society, 2) to find out the concept analysis of believing in Kumarnthong of Buddhist in Thai society, and 3) to investigate the attitude of Buddhism towards Kumarnthong worship.

The findings indicated that the concept about the talismans and the sacred objects in Thai society was based on the fear and occurred to humans since ancient times, such as fear of thunder, fear of the dark etc., the humans got rid of those fears by pleading to God and sacred item that have power over them. Later, there were invented the talismans and sacred objects in order to represent those holy things and to be able to carry on.

Kumarnthong was a sort of talisman; the ancient took the baby dead who died while pregnant for chanting an incantation ceremony by grilled dry and covered with gold leaf within a night and believed that children who died while pregnant an untimely death, their spirits have not able to reborn other positive conditions. That spirit of baby haunted and alimented as well that spirits will give service to owner. Kumarnthong can be divided into two sorts, namely Kumarnthongthetchakhat and Kumarnthongmahaniyom, how to worship Kumarnthong and bring it to home there are to inform to sacred house, worship offerings and to lead Kumarnthong to reborn.

Kumarnthong worship is based on a belief that does not conclude the reasons. Buddhism was called Saddhãñanavippayuta when was considered with the concept of Buddhism worship found that did not consensus, moreover it was incompatible with the concept of Deva (goddess), Triple Gem and not considered the auspicious thing according to Buddhism. The impact of Kumarnthong worship was caused to credulity and lack of confidence in their own potential. The impact of Buddhism was caused the faith perversity, providing that the monks involved with the break discipline, because it was not right view or understanding and obstructed to Nirvana. The monks should suggest and induce those who worship Kumarnthong to understand about Kamma, the result of Kamma more than invocation to Kumarnthong.